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Tsitsipas says his father saved him after a ‘terrifying’ incident

Tsitsipas says his father saved him after a ‘terrifying’ incident

Stefanos Tsitsipas has never forgotten when he almost lost his life as a teenager. Fortunately, his father, Apostolos, was there to save him.

Tsitsipas’ relationship with Apostolos is closely monitored by the media. The 56-year-old was Stefanos’ coach for most of his career before they ended their partnership in August.

Despite Stefanos’ performances, some felt that Apostolos not making way for an expert coach with experience prevented him from taking the next step and reaching the top, such as Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.

The split in August occurred after Tsitsipas publicly mocked his father after losing to Kei Nishikori at the Canadian Open. After that, their coaching relationship stopped healing and they went their separate ways.

According to a former physiotherapist of StefanosStefanos wanted to say goodbye to Apostolos several times before that, but his mother made the Greek No. 1 feel guilty by reminding him of everything he had done for him.

The Tsitsipas family was not happy with the former physiotherapist’s comments. They charged him for thatalthough it is challenging to see what damages can be claimed for comments as relatively non-offensive as those made by the physio.

It turns out that what Apostolos has done for Stefanos isn’t just about helping him develop his tennis career. He was also responsible for saving the former world number 3’s life as a teenager.

Stefanos told Spanish magazine Hola! that his father saved him as a 15-year-old when the sea turned rough and that the experience still influences his outlook on life.

“It was a terrifying experience. I don’t think I’ve ever had an experience like it, which taught me to live every moment, be grateful and not take anything for granted in life.”

“It must have had an impact on me because I also realized how terrifying nature can be, especially if you are not aware of it. The sea has great cultural value in Greece and I spent a lot of time in the sea and on the islands. As a child, that day taught me for the rest of my life that there are always dangers that you cannot control.”

Fortunately, Tsitsipas has no lasting physical damage from that incident. Since he was fine, fans have enjoyed the 26-year-old’s noticeable tennis since he appeared on the ATP Tour.

However, there is clearly a lasting mental impact when he almost dies at sea. It would be difficult for anyone not to have a different and unique view of life after death.

That terrifying moment could also help explain why Stefanos found it challenging to leave his father as coach. Telling a hired outside coach that you want to move on is vastly different from telling your father, to whom you owe your life, that it’s time to part ways.

Stefanos eventually decided to stop working with Apostolos. It will be interesting to observe if he hits the ground running after that move in 2025.